The Golden Rule is the foundation for moral decency in every culture. The way we treat each other matters. “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Judeo-Christian – Leviticus 19:18 “Don’t go around hurting people, and try to understand things.” Native American – in Hopi Culture, the Spider Grandmother gave two rules. “One going to take a pointed stick to pinch a baby bird should first try it on himself to feel how it hurts.” African – Yoruba Proverb In happiness and suffering, in joy and grief, we should regard all creatures as we regard our own self.” Jainism – Lord Mahavir 24th Tirthankara “The heart of the person before you is a mirror. See there your own form.” Shinto “What would you would avoid suffering yourself, seek not to impose upon others.” Greek Philosopher – Epictetus “One should seek for others the happinessContinue Reading

As a leader, your job is to add value. Your team, your people, your customers, your investors, your friends and your family. Your job is to add value. Here are three questions that will help you do just that. Question 1: Is what I am creating/contributing distinct? Is your contribution different in a significant way? Is it adding value in a way that no one else has done? Does it stand out? Does it look and feel esthetically unique? Is it something that will impress people because it is coming from an angle that others haven’t thought of? It’s not crazy or out there, but it is distinct and stands out. Question 2: Is this my most excellent contribution? Did you just throw it together or did you do a good job? Did you put in the time to prepare and give it your bestContinue Reading

In a conversation on adding value, New York Times bestselling author Brendan Burchard proposed three questions we should ask ourselves. As you finish a project, contribute to the team or look for ways to add value as a partner leader, I want you to ask yourself these three questions on a regular basis. I put it on a sticky note as I was writing my book Partnership is the New Leadership because I want the content to add enormous value. Answering all three in the affirmative will accomplish that goal. Question 1. Is what I am creating/contributing distinct? Is your contribution different in a significant way? Is it adding value in a way that no one else has done? Does it stand out? Does it look and feel aesthetically unique? Is it something that will impress people because it is coming from an angle that others haven’t thought of? It’sContinue Reading

I was recently speaking to a group of managers about the idea that value precedes influence. One of the managers raised his hand and said, “Can you give me a list of 20 ways I can add value as a leader?” Here is my list: 1. Spend one-on-one time with your people. 2. Recognize publicly. 3. Compliment others sincerely. 4. When mistakes are made be curious, not critical. 5. Buy lunch. 6. Give credit to the team. 7. Allow others opportunities to lead the meeting, give the presentation, take the lead or be in the limelight. 8. Know your people’s names, hobbies, likes, etc. 9. Constantly be learning. 10. Share your knowledge. 11. Connect people who could benefit from each other. 12. Share books/articles that would be beneficial. 13. Be caring enough to have candid conversations. 14. Ask better questions. 15. Write a handwritten note. 16. Support someone’s project orContinue Reading

In the 1940’s a small boutique financial services firm was just beginning to finally see a bit of success. They had started out when two people came together with the hopes to create something great. They decided at this point to add someone to their marketing department. They found a guy named Charles Engle – a journalist by background who at the time was working as an editor of a magazine, that had just started to have some experience in advertising and marketing and he found that he really loved that much more than he loved journalism. So when this job opportunity came up he was just the perfect fit for them. He did not have much experience and they did not have much money – Perfect Fit. He begins his job and starts to look at what they are doing when it comes to marketing. Now at that timeContinue Reading